Shell is stamped D. Everything seems smooth. 36 holes factory painted black war time production


Greenwallvintagebicycles

 AI says

 A 36-hole New Departure Model D hub featuring an original factory black finish is known to collectors as a "Blackout" hub. These distinct, non-chrome variants are highly sought-after historic pieces manufactured exclusively during World War II (roughly late 1941 through 1945).
  • The Coating: Instead of chrome, the high-tensile steel shells were treated with a protective black oxide coating, black enamel paint, or a dull cadmium plating.
  • Military & Essential Civilian Use: These 36-hole blackout hubs were laced onto 26-inch wheels for "War Models" (un-badged, stripped-down civilian transportation bicycles) as well as heavy-duty military-issue bicycles used on domestic bases.
Core Identification Details
  • 36-Hole (36H) Drilling: This standard spacing matches full-sized 26" balloon-tire rims used on robust wartime frames.
  • Brake Arm Stamp: A true wartime blackout model typically features New Departure's "3rd Design" brake arm. It is a larger, wider steel arm stamped "New Departure" with distinct vertical hash marks, and like the hub shell, the arm itself is usually finished in black oxide or a dull zinc/cadmium plating rather than polished chrome.
  • The Sprocket: Most commonly paired with a heavy-duty, blackened 1-inch pitch (9-tooth or 10-tooth skip-tooth) cog matching the era's thick chain standards.
Collector Rarity and Value
Because the blackout production window was brief and many of these components were subjected to harsh utilitarian or military use, finding an un-pitted, clean original black shell is challenging.
  • Value Premium: While a standard post-war chrome Model D is very common, a verified, period-correct WW2 Blackout hub can easily fetch $80 to $175+ USD depending on how intact the black finish remains. Matched sets featuring a blackout rear Model D paired with a blackout front Model W hub are the ultimate prize for military bike restorers.